The Truth Behind Terrifying Simulation Showing What Really Happens When You Drink Coffee On An Empty Stomach

Didn’t get much sleep? It can feel almost automatic to reach for a coffee first thing in the morning before heading out the door, but having it on an empty stomach may not be the smartest move.

Let’s be honest, coffee is what pulls many people out of bed and helps kick-start the morning. For a lot of us, it is the fuel that gets the workday going and helps us feel human again.

Many also rely on it later in the day as an afternoon pick-me-up, though most people are familiar with the dreaded caffeine crash that can follow once the buzz wears off.

You may have also heard warnings about drinking coffee on an empty stomach, especially after an AI-generated video shared by the TikTok account Inside Health went viral. The video claims the habit can be harmful, but how accurate is it?

The clip opens with a stark claim: "When coffee hits an empty stomach, it rushes in fast and there is nothing to slow it down."

It goes on to suggest that the body’s acid sensors react right away, describing how the stomach is essentially preparing itself for a sudden jolt.

It can be tempting to have coffee on an empty stomach Getty Stock Photo

"Coffee triggers an immediate surge in stomach acid," it adds. "The lining tightens and the stomach walls start producing more acid than usual."

The video further claims that repeated cups of coffee can lead to redness and burning sensations, while stress hormones are released from the adrenal glands and the heart rate increases slightly.

"Without food protection, the stomach wall becomes more vulnerable. Even tiny drops of acid feel stronger than usual, while coffee pushes the intestines to move faster."

It also suggests that caffeine can enter the bloodstream more quickly when the stomach is empty, which then “floods” the brain with stimulation and causes jittery or shaky feelings.

However, many of these claims have been questioned by medical professionals. According to Healthline, experts note that the bitter taste of coffee can stimulate stomach acid production, but that does not automatically mean it causes harm.

The health site explains that research has not found a strong link between coffee and digestive problems, regardless of whether it is consumed on an empty stomach or with food.

The Cleveland Clinic also points out that research on coffee causing acid reflux, which can result in heartburn, remains mixed and inconclusive.

Speaking to the outlet, registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino said: "Coffee and caffeine can increase the production of stomach acid. Coffee also relaxes the valve, allowing excess acid to enter your esophagus."

The viral video also raised concerns about ulcers developing from drinking coffee on an empty stomach, a claim that the Cleveland Clinic says has been debunked.

Health experts reference a large study involving more than 8,000 people in Japan that examined coffee consumption and ulcer formation. The research found no connection, even among those who drank multiple cups each day.

In the end, specialists stress that reactions to coffee can vary widely from person to person, making it important to pay attention to how your own body responds.

"If you experience digestive issues after drinking coffee on an empty stomach but not when drinking it with a meal, consider adjusting your intake accordingly," Healthline adds.

The TikTok video claims that some people may experience heartburn when drinking coffee on an empty stomach, while Healthline notes that digestive discomfort can sometimes include ulcers, nausea, acid reflux, and indigestion.